CITY OF LAREDO COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
AGENDA
A97-R-38 NOVEMBER 3, 1997
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. ROLL CALL
IV. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
2. Amending the City of Laredo FY 1997-98 Annual Budget by reclassifying
three firefighters to three Captains to the Airport Fire and Rescue
Unit and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.
3. Introducing an ordinance to amend the City of Laredo's 1997-1998
annual budget authorizing the reclassification of one (1) Captain, two
(2) Lieutenants, and ten (10) Investigator positions at the Laredo
Police Department and authorizing the City Manager to implement said
budget.
V. FINAL READINGS
4. 97-O-261 Amending Ordinance No. 92-O-113 known as the Southwestern
Bell Telephone Company ("Telephone Company") franchise
ordinance by amending Section 4 to extend the franchise term
for a period of six months from the date of expiration of
September 30, 1997 until March 31, 1998 to ensure that the
telephone company continues to provide telephone service in
the City pending the grant of a new franchise.
(City Council)
5. 97-O-262 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 1, Block 1 and Lot 1 Block 2, Freedom Park
Subdivision, located at Loop 20 at N. Merida Drive from AG
(Agricultural District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial
District), providing for publication and effective date.
(Jose R. Perez, Jr.)
6. 97-O-263 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lots 2 and 3, Block 1 and Lots 2 and 3, Block 2,
Freedom Park Subdivision, located at Loop 20 at N. Merida
Drive from AG (Agricultural District) and R-1A (Single
Family Reduced Area District) to B-3 (Community Business
District), providing for publication and effective date.
(Jose R. Perez) 7. 97-O-264 Authorizing the issuance of a
Conditional Use Permit for a Ropa Usada Business on all of Block 759,
Western Division, located at 2802 Davis Street, providing
for publication and effective date. (Mario G. Alvarado)
8. 97-O-265 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lots 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, Block 761 Western
Division, located at 2800 Juarez Avenue, from B-1 (Limited
Business District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District),
providing for publication and effective date.
(Mario G. Alvarado)
9. 97-O-266 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 0.782 acres out of Porcion 22, Abstract 277, as
further described by metes and bounds, located at 8219 San
Lorenzo Drive from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District)
to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District), providing for
publication and effective date. (Mario G. Alvarado)
10. 97-O-267 Authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for
truck/trailer rentals and paint and body work on Lots 1, 2,
3, 10, 11 and 12, Block 1099, Western Division, located at
4420 San Bernardo Avenue, providing for publication and
effective date. (Mario G. Alvarado)
11. 97-O-268 Authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for a
Bus Terminal on Lots 1, 2, and 3, Block 176, Western
Division, located at 1005 San Bernardo Avenue, providing for
publication and effective date. (Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo)
12. 97-O-269 Amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 annual budget in the
amount of $12,500.00, for the "El Protector" grant from the
Texas Department of Transportation. The Texas Department of
Transportation's contribution will be $8,125.00, with the
City designating $4,375.00, in matching funds. These funds
reflect only 25% of the total amount of the grant. The
remaining 75% of the grant will be awarded in November 1997.
The funding for this grant will be from October 1, 1997
through September 30, 1998. (City Council)
13. 97-O-270 Amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 annual budget in the
amount of $7,500.00, for the Speed STEP grant from the Texas
Department of Transportation. The Texas Department of
Transportation's contribution will be $4,875.00, with the
City designating $2,625.00, in matching funds. These funds
reflect only 25% of the total amount of the grant. The
remaining 75% of the grant will be awarded in November 1997.
The funding for this grant will be from October 1, 1997
through September 30, 1998. (City Council)
14. 97-O-271 Amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 annual budget in the
amount of $2,500.00, for the Occupant Protection STEP grant
from the Texas Department of Transportation. The Texas
Department of Transportation's contribution will be
$2,500.00, with the City designating $2,500.00, in matching
funds. These funds reflect only 25% of the total amount of
the grant. The remaining 75% of the grant will be awarded in
November 1997. The funding for this grant will be from
October 1, 1997 through September 30, 1998. (City Council)
VI. RESOLUTIONS
15. 97-R-127 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Right of Entry and
Possession instrument for the right to enter upon, and take
possession of, a parcel of land owned by Fasken Ltd., a
Texas Limited Partnership, for the construction of a part of
the Laredo Northwest International Bridge.
16. 97-R-132 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Right of Entry and
Possession instrument for the right to enter upon, and take
possession of, a parcel of land owned by Robert Muller
Family Partnership Ltd., d/b/a Robert Muller Ltd., for the
construction of a part of the Laredo Northwest International
Bridge.
17. 97-R-133 Appointing Natalie Guerra and Fernando Montemayor to the
Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board
representing the retail sector.
18. 97-R-134 Ratifying a provision for a $600.00 administrative fee for
the processing of requests to abandon and close streets and
alleys which were dedicated by plat as public easements, and
whereby title to the street or alley is held by abutting
property owners; and incorporating said provision as Section
9 of the Street Closing/Sales Policy Handbook, and providing
for an effective date.
19. 97-R-135 Accepting a grant from the United States Environmental
Protection Agency through the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission under the Clean Water Act Section
319(h) for a grant in the amount of $161,121.44 with the
City designating $107,476.00, in matching funds and/or in-
kind services for a total of $268,597.44, to develop a
Watershed Protection through Enforcement Program for the
period from November 1, 1997 through October 31, 2000.
VII. MOTIONS
20. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for bids
for the following:
a) Safety Footwear, six month contract - Fire Department
b) Firearms - Police Department
c) Computers - City Attorney (2), Airport (1), CV&B (2), Bridge System
(4), Water Treatment (1), Water Administration (2), Wastewater
Treatment (1), Wastewater Collection (2), Risk (1), Health Benefits
(2), Police (7).
d) Blue Bags for the City's Recycling Program -Public Works
21. Authorize the purchase of five vehicles for the Police Department's
Financial Task Force. Four vehicles will be purchased through the
Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) -Cooperative
Purchasing Program, in the total amount of $67,026.55, and one from
the SOLE BIDDER, Powell Watson Motors, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the
amount of $21,297.00. Bids were requested for five vehicles, however,
Powell Watson Motors was the only vendor that responded to our bid
notice. Delivery of these vehicles is expected within sixty days.
Funding is available in the Financial Task Force's capital outlay
budget.
22. Authorize the purchase of eight portable radios and one, six unit
rapid charger unit for the Police Department through the Houston
Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) - Cooperative Purchasing
Program, in the total amount of $17,393.65. These voice secure radios
will be purchased through the cooperative purchasing contract vendor
Motorola. Delivery of these radios is expected within sixty days.
Funding is available in the Police Department, Trust Fund - Capital
Outlay (6 radios, 1 charger unit) and in the Police Department, HIDTA
Program - Capital Outlay (2 radios).
23. Award of two twelve month janitorial supply contracts to the LOW
BIDDERS, Nogalito Janitorial Supplies, Laredo, Texas in the base
amount of $14,803.00, and National Sanitary Supply, Laredo, Texas in
the base amount of $12,595.91, for providing general janitorial
supplies to all city departments. The base bid cost is approximately
9% less than the previous contract period. A total of seven bids were
received this purchase.
24. Award of a construction contract to the LOWEST BIDDER, Pete Gallegos
Paving, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $1,425,343.50, for the
construction of E.D.A. Project No. 08-01-03080 -Airport Medical
Infrastructure Improvements Arkansas Avenue Extension. Contract time
is eight months. A total of two bids were received for this project.
Funding is available in the EDA Airport/Medical Park Improvements
Other Than Building.
25. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract with the Laredo
Webb County Community Action Agency (CAA) in the amount of $34,500.00,
to provide homeless prevention services with 1997 Emergency Shelter
Grant (ESG) funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development.
26. Authorizing the City Manager to award 1997 Emergency Shelter Grant
funds (ESG) made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development in the amount of $79,920.00 to Catholic Social Services of
Laredo, Inc., for the rehabilitation of the Frontera Halfway House to
include the addition of a security/waiting area and other general
improvements and authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract.
27. Approval of amendment no. 2, an increase of $13,545.00, to the
contract with Naismith Engineering Inc., Laredo and Corpus Christi,
Texas for soil boring to be completed as monitoring wells in
compliance with Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission RG-17
rules and regulations, at 4200 Bartlett (LPST ID No. 101133). The
increase which was not anticipated, is due to additional drilling,
sampling, and laboratory analysis required as a result of the presence
of sub-surface hydrocarbon contamination. The original contract amount
was $42,087.00. This amendment will bring the contract total to
$58,968.00. Funding is available in the Airport Fuel Account.
28. Approval of change order no. 4, an increase of $23,378.28, to the
construction contract with Ramex Construction Company, Inc., Houston,
Texas, for additional gypsum board ceiling system and MEP revisions to
accommodate the fire suppression system; to add a sign as requested by
the Library; and other miscellaneous items to the New Main Library.
The original contract amount was $5,641,000.00. This change order will
bring the contract total to $5,783,381.28. Funding is available in the
New Public Library Building.
29. Approval to reject all bids received for the provision of Internet
services for the Public Library. The City received bids from
Southwestern Bell Internet Services, San Antonio, Texas, and AT&T,
Laredo, Texas. The bid from AT&T exceeded our budget allocations and
the bid from Southwestern Bell required a three year commitment. Only
a one year commitment is needed due the construction of the City's
Institutional Network (I-Net) which will provide Internet access for
all City departments. New bid specifications will be prepared with
revised requirements and new bids solicited.
30. Approval to select EMCON Engineering and Environmental Services, Fort
Worth, Texas, and authorization to negotiate an engineering contract
to provide professional engineering services for mitigation of Methane
Gas Migration at the City of Laredo Type I Landfill located at Highway
359. This work will include the nature and extent of the methane gas
migration, engineering design, and the preparation of construction
plans and specifications with cost estimates as required for
compliance with the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
Subtitle D requirements of 30 TAC 330 Municipal Solid Waste
Regulations. A total of six firms responded to the City's request for
proposals. Funding is available in the Landfill Fund Contract
Services.
31. Authorizing the City Manager to contract with Catholic Social Services
of Laredo, Inc. (CSS) in the amount of $114,629.00, to administer the
City's Fiscal Year 1998 General Fund Welfare Assistance Program
through which rental, utility, burial, transportation, ambulance, and
health care assistance is provided to indigent individuals and
families residing in the community.
VIII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
32. Presenting a status report on the progress of the Santa Isabel Water
Well with possible action.
33. Update on the status of the Colonias Facility Plan and financial
application.
34. Discussion and possible action regarding setting a date for a workshop
to review and prioritize the list of capital projects for possible
bond funding.
IX. COMMUNICATIONS
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
35. Requests by Mayor and City Councilmembers for discussion and
presentation.
A. Requests by Mayor Saul N. Ramirez Jr.
1. Presentation by Ricardo DeAnda, the City's Delinquent Tax Collector of
the 1st Quarter Delinquent Tax Collection Report.
B. Requests by Councilmember Louis H. Bruni
1. Discussion and possible action on instructing staff to conduct a study
on the placement of temporary portable restrooms on IH-35 from
Lincoln-Juarez Bridge No. 2 to the appropriate mile marker.
(Co-sponsored by Councilmember Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo)
C. Requests by Councilmember Cecilia May Moreno
1. Status report with possible action on the Ochoa Neighborhood Park that
was funded two years ago.
2. Status report with possible action on the Health Department Playground
that was approved two ago.
3. The Industrial Loop (outer loop) is listed on the MPO work plan and
divided into a number of smaller projects. This is a request to have
City Council move-up the dates for those sections that connect I-35 to
the Mines Road and US 83 to the Bob Bullock Loop, with possible
action.
D. Requests by Councilmember Eliseo Valdez Jr.
1. Discussion and possible action on placing concrete on the
intersections of Calton Road/Springfield and Calton Road/Marcella due
to heavy traffic deteriorating asphalt pavement at these
intersections.
(Co-sponsored by Councilmember Joe A. Guerra)
E. Requests by Councilmember Joe A. Guerra
1. Request by Dr. Hector Farias for a presentation concerning police
matters and traffic congestion problems at Bridge I and II with
possible action.
2. Discussion and possible action on the proposed Fred M. Bruni Park in
east Laredo.
(Co-sponsored by Councilmember Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo)
F. Requests by Councilmember Mario G. Alvarado
1. Presentation by Del Mar Industrial Park representatives, with possible
action.
2. Presentation by Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
requesting the City's help and participation with a cleanup project
schedule for the Mines Road area on November 16, with possible action.
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
36. Public hearing repealing ordinance 97-O-149 dated July 7, 1997,
Section 7; to decrease the fare on the EL LIFT Transportation Program
from $1.00 to $0.75.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Repealing ordinance 97-O-149 dated July 7, 1997, Section 7; to
decrease the fare on the EL LIFT Transportation Program from $1.00 to
$0.75. Providing for publication and effective date.
37. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget
in the amount of $50,000.00, and appropriating these funds to the
Department of Telecommunication's line item to establish the position
of Telecommunications Network Specialist.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget in the amount of
$50,000.00, and appropriating these funds to the Department of
Telecommunication's line item to establish the position of
Telecommunications Network Specialist.
38. Public hearing for the voluntary annexation of ten tracts of land
totaling 491.1278 acres, more or less, and the unilateral annexation
of three tracts of land totaling 1,286.5786 acres, more or less, for a
total of 1,777.7064 acres.
TRACTS PROPOSED FOR VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION:
Tract 3: Killam Industrial Park Tract - 10.6253 acres, more or less
Petitioner: Killam Industrial Development Partnership, LTD
Tract 4: Hurd Tract - 17.8736 acres, more or less,
Petitioner: Hurd Urban Development, LLC
Tract 5: Salinas Tract - 8.0 acres, more or less,
Petitioner: Gerardo G. Salinas, Manager, Village Heights,
LTD.
Tract 6: Izaguirre Tract - 8.0668 acres, more or less,
Petitioner: Tomas L. Izaguirre
Tract 7: Killam/Loop 20 Tract - 15.7203 acres, more or less,
Petitioner: Killam Oil Company
Tract 9: Haynes Tract - 4.6808 acres, more or less,
Petitioner: Richard E. Haynes
Tract 10: Southern Development Tract - 95.7986 acres, more or less,
Petitioner: A.R. Sanchez, Jr.
Tract 11: Garcia Tract - 265.2185 acres, more or less,
Petitioner: E.G. Ranch, Ltd.
Tract 12: Newman Tract - 35.1439 acres, more or less,
Petitioner: Newman Investment Company
Tract 13: Ramos Tract - 30.0 acres, more or less,
Petitioner: Dr. Oscar Ramos
TRACTS PROPOSED FOR UNILATERAL ANNEXATION:
Tract 1a: Unitec Industrial park Tract -362.173 acres, more or less,
Petitioner: City of Laredo
Tract 1b: I.H. 35 Tract - 190.2584 acres, more or less,
Petitioner: City of Laredo
Tract 2: Bridge IV Tract - 181.2177 acres, more or less,
Petitioner: City of Laredo
Tract 8a: Highway 359 Tract - 61.7122 acres, more or less,
Petitioner: City of Laredo
Tract 8b: Highway 359/Landfill Tract - 490.8365 acres, more or less
Petitioner: City of Laredo
XII. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL HOUSING CORPORATION
39. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for bids
for the purchase of kitchen cabinets for the Jose A. Flores
Apartments. Bids are being requested on the finished cabinets only,
with the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation maintenance staff being
responsible for their installation. Cabinets will be replaced in 15
rental units. A tentative bid award is scheduled for December 1, 1997.
SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Amending the City of Laredo FY 1997-98 Annual Budget by reclassifying
three firefighters to three Captains to the Airport Fire and Rescue
Unit and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo FY 1997-98 Annual Budget by reclassifying
three firefighters to three Captains to the Airport Fire and Rescue
Unit and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.
b. Introducing an ordinance to amend the City of Laredo's 1997-1998
annual budget authorizing the reclassification of one (1) Captain, two
(2) Lieutenants, and ten (10) Investigator positions at the Laredo
Police Department and authorizing the City Manager to implement said
budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amend the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 annual budget authorizing the
reclassification of one (1) Captain, two (2) Lieutenants, and ten (10)
Investigator positions at the Laredo Police Department and authorizing
the City Manager to implement said budget.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
THIS NOTICE WAS POSTED AT THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1110 HOUSTON STREET,
LAREDO, TEXAS, AT A PLACE CONVENIENT AND READILY ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL
TIMES. SAID NOTICE WAS POSTED ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1997 AT 5:30 P.M.
________________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY